FYI Dimming the CubCrafters fuel pump LED light for night flying

[Neal]

Anyone that's flown the CubCrafters aircraft with the bright orange LED fuel pump light and is aware of the importance of night vision for night flying knows this light is a problem. While I desire to fly at night less than before, last night I decided to enjoy the warmth that is coming in here in Virginia and also the near full moon which is typically when I'll night fly. I've used various methods in the past such as blackout tape that covers the LED I'd say 70% and let's it reflect off of the left side so I can see that it's on and lit. Recently I installed a different version of something I purchased but have yet to use which is a dimming decal/tape and I used the round one and put it over the light and sealed all around the LED as best as I can. I've been amazed it's stayed in place for at least a week since I put it on. I tried night flying a few times in the past but for various reasons didn't fly. Last night I flew with this and in the day time the day prior. I can see the LED lit in the daytime and I'm pleased with how it dimmed this light nicely for night flying. So both day and night with the tape ON works well.

My other beef is the red light over the right shoulder is not bright enough so I can't really see much on the panel other than the glass panel items and can't read the checklist, etc. with that insufficient light (red or white modes). @Tsquared recommended a small light he uses for night flying so I picked one up. I just need to read the manual again as getting a steady red light takes a few pushes and turns and I'm not sure what.

Here is the light he recommended. It's smaller than you think, and it clips on to whatever you want. Worth a look.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DDC3M31M

The dimming tape I used is:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00CLVEQCO

 

[Neal]

I need to research map lights. It may be worthwhile to upgrade the under performing light that comes from the factory.

Something like this maybe?

Oplite FAA-PMA Dual Color 6 LED Maplights | Aircraft Spruce

Oplite FAA-PMA Dual Color 6 LED Maplights Multi-Color Aircraft LED Maplighting. Certified For Eligible Cessna Aircraft.

www.aircraftspruce.com

 

[Neal]

I ordered the above. Will see how it works out. Can't deal with not being able to see or read a checklist!

 

[Neal]

I got the red/white combo 6 LED optlite. I have to evaluate how hard it will be to swap out. But first I have to decide if I made the right decision as when you have dual lights then half of the led's are one color (red) and the other half are white. So in our CubCrafters' aircraft it's a 4 LED system, not sure the brand, it sucks, but 2 LED's yes, that's 1 and then 2 are RED and the other 2 are white. How this is usable I have no idea. Pete told me some people will add a second one on the left wing root. I'm sorry but insufficient is insufficient on either/both sides. Granted, we have glass panels, right up until you don't and you have to find a breaker or read a checklist or find your flashlight if you weren't smart enough to attach it to yourself for night fliying.

I'll probably see how the red/white combo works but hopefully I could return it for an all red option so all 6 LED's are in use. We'll see, I've put myself into enough challenging mod's in one year from landing lights to fixing coil pack issues, taxi light(s), and tailwheel saga's.

https://oplite.com/oplite-6/

Tasklight 600 – NORSEE Approved – Oplite